A state of no direction

A State of No Direction

Loneliness is like losing my path of where I am going. It is a searching kind of experience.

-Jessica- 88 year old woman.

..it is inspiring...

Today an 88 year old woman told me, "When I start to put my hands on the hand drum, I immediately feel I can produce a melody as I lift my hand up and down. It produces beautiful sound."

I was very happy to hear the inspiring sharing from this elderly individual.

something to learn...

This story is wrtten by Fr. Thomas Tehan.

Growing Old Gracefully

Japanese women live longer than any other women in the world. While I can not explain the reasons for the longevity of Japanese women, I would like to share with you how Mrs. Takako Yanamisawa planned and enjoyed the celebration of her 88th birthday is called Beiju. The word is comprised of two chinese characters: bei, meaning rice, and juwhich has various meanings including age, one's natural life, longevity or congratulations.

In Japan, almost everyone celebrates two birthdays. The first birthday is on New Year's Day and is the same for everyone. It is call Shogastu, or full moon, and a year is added to veryone's age. The second birthday is the actual date of birth. Takako planned to celebrate both of her birthdays with a party in January and another around May 6th, her actual birth date.

Columban Mission, December 2008.

...I am very happy...

"It is hard to be old," said by an 89 year old woman. She further said, "However, I am very happy to reach this age." Listening to her is really teaching me of what is to be "aging gracefully" and still happy.

...I do not feel lonely."

A 92 year old man said, "At least this year, I do not feel lonely." He was invited to attend seniors' lunch Christmas party. He further said, "I even met someone whom I knew when we were in school together."

This story is very inspiring to me because very often elderly individuals had been overlooked and left behind. Jesus came to the world to bring peace, love, hope and joy. I am glad at least this man experienced the joy of Christmas.

Thank You

A note received today:

Dear Father Peter

MY gift to you this Christmas is THANK YOU

Thank you for your actions-which speak louder than words

and convey reverence, respect and patience for the elderly.

Thank you for your honesty, your humble, self-disclosure, and your sense of humor.

Thank you for your enthusiam for the life and the ways you spark the same in others.

Thank you for your generosity of spirit, time and talent-and for pitching in to help in whatever way is needed.

Thank you for your example of kindness and love.

You challenge me to do-and to BE the same.

My the light of Christ which shines so brightly in you

enable you to feel the warmth of God's loving presence.

May God give you courage and support in your priestly ministry.

Blessings for Christmas and throught the New Year.

In Christ,

SM

Don't forget the eldely individuals...

Blessed Christmas-The Nativity of the Lord Jesus

Let us remember the elderly individuals, do not forget them.

Spend time with them. Elderly individuals are often lonely due to the fact they have little interaction with others during the day. Many elderly people just enjoy conversing with others, and you stopping by just to chat can make their day.